Thursday, March 31, 2011

one the character qualities that always draws me to another person
is that of a grateful heart.

gratitude is contagious. don't you think?

& i believe having an attitude of gratitude can be the deciding factor between happiness and joy.
happiness occurs when all is well in life, for the moment anyways.
versus true joy. joy blooms in our lives when practicing gratitude has been cultivated.

a joyful spirit & a peaceful heart.
those are two things that sometimes elude me when things are falling apart.
who am i fooling? they often elude me at the mention of the possibility of the maybe....well before the falling apart has even begun. which honestly, it rarely does.
i disappoint myself when i see how quickly my happy nature gets all out of whack the instant a crisis arises or the instant i decide to worry about something. which incidentally seldom comes to fruition anyways.
but i feel that having a grateful heart cultivates that joyful spirit that i truly long for.
& then when i'm focused on what i'm grateful for, peace often follows. & quickly too!

i'm not all 'my glass is half full'
nor am i all for faking when times are hard just to appear like all is well.
having said that i realize there is often a fine line between working things through privately and carefully deciding when to react or respond.
geez, what do i know?! it's early in the morning and i'm trying to make sense of the all the thoughts rumbling around in my head about a thankful heart.

what i'm trying to say is that i truly want to be authentic
i want to be real.
but equally important,
i want to always have my eyes open for the things that i'm grateful for.

years ago, when the girls were little i made a thankfulness journal.
sounds sorta corny, yet i wanted them to practice the principal of counting their blessings & naming them one by one.
being grateful takes practice
it takes an effort to look & see, taste & see that He is good.
& He loves to give good gifts to us.
i want them to look , see, & then be thankful. not just for the biggies either.
that little simple things in their lives, in my life, are worthy of being thankful.

while i no longer keep the little journal on the kitchen table, i find other ways to keep my girls talking about the good in their life. no matter how small.

one of my sweet bloggy friends, tara, sent me the book "one thousand gifts".
it's the current homecoming queen in blog world as it seems everyone is talking about it!
& everyone is loving it too!
well i could hardly put it down.
i've been familiar with ann voskamp since she traveled with a group of bloggers on a compassion international tour several years ago.
while her writing style is sometimes a tad hard for me to follow, her desire to count it all blessing
to write it out
to make a tangible choice of cultivating a thankful heart
is the gospel in action
and inspires me to keep on keeping on with being thankful even in the hard times.

i have a copy i'd love to give away.
while this gift isn't glamorous or pricey,
it packs priceless words of encouragement that i'm certain will bless you immensely!

i'd love for you to have a little copy of your own,
so leave me a comment.
you don't have to tell me something you're grateful for, but it would be sweet to see my comments just filled in with the chorus of grateful hearts.
so, lay it on me....

For the way God has provided for the essential needs while I am struggling with this divorce. Not every need--like paying every bill. NO that hasn't happened, but He has let me be thankful for providing EXACTLY what I need to make it from payment to payment. I never thought I could be content and not freak out that my bills were not all paid. Never in my life of 47 years have they not all been paid, but now I am having to see Him pay the essentials-house, power, phone and other household monthly's while there is a stack of bills not being paid!! GOD IS SO GOOD TO ME> The other thing I am thankful for is HIS never failing love to send me the contentment I need right now. FRIENDS THAT LOVE ME FOR WHO I AM AND ARE SUPPORTING ME!!! Isn't God good????

I am so thankful to God for everything He has blessed me with especially an awesome family. I read someone's status on Facebook the other day, it's probably one that's going around...and it said, what if you woke up today and the only things you had were the things you thanked God for yesterday....very powerful.

So grateful for a God who doesn't let me be content, who is always stretching and teaching me. I already have this book and have read it and marked it up from cover to cover. Good stuff! But I would love to give a clean copy to my sister :-)

Paige, I've had to work on my "glass 1/2 full" attitude for the last couple of weeks. This normally comes pretty easy for me but something happened and I now realize that I'm not nearly as grateful as I should be on a daily basis. Some times an unexpected wake-up call is just the thing to make you realize how much you take for granted. (Didn't mean to write a book! ;)

today i'm grateful for another beautiful day and grateful my daughter has taken interest in the LORD! She asked me to buy her a bible! now, our next step is to find a church to attend and worship. I am now in a place in my heart to accept the lord again, I lost my baby sister 10 almost 11 years on the 9th of April and have been angry with him. It's taken me this long but, i'm grateful he never has left my side! I'm grateful to be able to share this with you all and not feel ashamed! xoxo's nancy

One year ago I had my first child at the age of 33. The longing of my heart has been answered, and daily I look at my little baby girl and cry such happy tears. I am so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with this precious gift. I'm also grateful for a loving husband, who is such a great Daddy now, as well.

I've been eyeing this book on other blogs, and think it would be a wonderful read. Thanks for the contest! Fun!

i'm grateful i have a savior who died on the cross for me. i'm grateful for the wonderful christian women that i have been able to meet in "blogworld" that are such an inspiration to me. and i'm VERY grateful and beyond blessed that i have a wonderful husband and the most precious white headed blue eye little girl!

I came over to you from Ashely's blog. I have never posted a blo comment before, but your "giveaway" inspired me to do so. I have to say it is AWESOME how God is using you to provide encouragement to those who may not even know him! How AWESOME he is! I am grateful that we have a God who LOVES us even when we are not feeling so grateful!!

i am thankful that spring is arriving. i am thankful that this cold will not last forever. i am thankful my baby is healthy and due in september! i am thankful God is here with me on the days when i feel sad.

"gratitude is contagious." This little saying has so much truth and meaning. It is not everyday that those who have it all really realize how blessed they are. We all seem to have our moments in life which leave us feeling let down. Yet, we also have our moments of pure happiness. When we take the time to really appreciate all that god has offered us is when we allow ourselfs to show our gratitude.

I am currently in one of my "down moments", I am trying to stay as positive as I can through this trial. The ups and downs of living with infertility and trying to use medical procedures and medications to overcome it, is trying.

I have a wonderful husband, a supportive group of friends and family. Together I will get through this.

I used to keep a gratitude journal too! And when the children were little they kept one where they would tell me the things they were grateful for that day and I would write them down for them! Unfortunately as life got more hectic that little ritual fell by the wayside! :( I am so grateful for the food in my pantry and a roof over my head!

I'm greatful for so many things, family, friends, especially grandkids,children in general, finding the blogging world in this past year, your inspiring words (you were one of the first bloggers that I followed) and this thougtful giveaway. I have the book and love it. I've given away several as gifts and if I'm lucky enought to win, I'll give this one away.

I am so grateful for the little things like finding joy in a hot cup of coffee, a good book, quiet time with my mom, sweet time with my husband, journaling back and forth with my kids, talking on the phone with a good friend or just being alone and being still.

Yesterday I had the honor of helping out at the soup kitchen at Redeemer Lutheran on Peachtree Street. I saw 279 people walk through its door, grateful for a sandwich, a bowl of soup, a banana, and a snack. I was asked to help hand out to each a cup, a spoon and a napkin. With each outreached hand, I was able to look in the eyes of a homeless person, offer up a hello and a smile, and see gratefulness. And, in turn, count my own blessings, all much bigger than I deserve. Our God is an awesome God, even in the simpleness of a humble meal on a paper plate.

You are not corny at all. You are very real as well. I heard someone once say that they weren't at all like they are on their blog. SO sad. I can't imagine being anything but what you are really are.....speaking in general. I think that's what I enjoy about you and your blog. You have been through so much and you are such a special person.Oops, almost forgot. I'd love to win this book. (((((HUGS))))

Oh my word... I've been hearing about this book everywhere, and would love to read it!!! Lately, I've been grateful, that gratefulness itself can change not only your attitude, but your day. As I was sitting around wondering what on earth was happening with our housing situation this month, I had an opportunity to try thanking God for that little moment, no matter how yucky it seemed to me, and EVERY time, it worked like a charm to lift my eyes from my own little self, and onto the God this is all about. I've never seen something work so amazingly as thankfulness...

I am thankful for the hard times, because it truly draws us closer to the One we need the most. I am thankful I lost my job 5 weeks ago, because I have stopped to smell the roses and my time with Him is more precious!I am also thankful for Gracebecause I don't deserve it!Be blessed!

We've been blessed...my baby got discharged from the big city hospital & we made the trek home yesterday. He's 27 days today & is recovering from RSV/broncheolitis. It could have been so much worse. People were praying & God answered!

I'm so thankful to land upon blogs that not only inspire me creatively, but that also lift me up spiritually and "redirect" me when I'm having a grumpy, down kind of day. It never fails that one of my favorites (yours included) will have something to say to turn my attention back to God, and what He may have for me at that moment. Thanks!

After graduating from college and wanting to "spread my wings" a little, I moved to a new city a few hours away from my family. Well, after 13 years, I realized how much I miss them, so I'm grateful for the job opportunity I was just given so I can be near them again. I'll be moving back soon, and I cannot wait!

Fab giveaway! I am thankful for family and friends, you included! I am also thankful to have my parents visiting! I love that they take the time to spend 3-4 weeks with my family twice a year! It's a blessing!

Right now I'm grateful for a hot, rich, delicious cup of coffee. I have already read the book, and I agree with you. Her writing style is not the easiest for me to decipher, but I'd like to encourage everyone to hang in there b/c for me the book was worth reading and I loved Chapters 8,9 and 10

i am reading this book also, and just love it. I also discovered a book club through in~courage where she {ann v.} breaks down each chapter. here is the link { http://vimeo.com/19139940}I hope that you have a beautiful day!XoXxoamy boland

Odd as it may sound I am grateful for becoming ill in my 20's. I did not know it then but the extra time my mother and I spent together, while I was in hospital and sick at home are the memories that I have to cherish now that she is gone.

I have her book. I love it's message. I have started another journal. It is something I started a few years ago with a bible study. I do not love her writing style though but the message is really good.Being grateful even when it times are difficult brings true peace and joy. I am so grateful for the gift of His son for me.

I am truly grateful for the amazing women in my life. My Mom, sisters, friends and mostly, my daughters. How blessed I am to be surrounded by such strong, beautiful, intelligent, loving and gracious hearts.

Hello Paige...it's funny and kinda awesome how you speak such sense. My blog is like a gratefulness diary. One of my friends who has known me forever remarked that since I started my blog I have catalogued the things that I am grateful for and that my whole attitude to life is more 'glass is half full' rather than 'glass is half empty'. I think that's a great side effect of doing something that I love. Today I am grateful for my kid's choir concert that I just attended! It was just...innocent and beautiful. Lou x

I am so grateful that my dad was able to walk me down the aisle in January and give me away to my husband.

Last March (on the weekend my hubs was supposed to propose)- my dad had a massive heartattack. At one point, the doctors thought he would need a heart transplant. During his quadruple bypass surgery, the doctor wasn't sure he would make it off of the table. Thank goodness our God is bigger than that. Every day I remember that my mom and I almost lost him and am so grateful to the Lord that He let us keep my dad for a while longer.

Your postings bring your authentic thoughts into my world here in North Carolina. It would fill the page if I began to list all the things I am grateful for....you please know that you are one of my blessings....you have brightened many a day for me, yet have also prompted me to spend more time with the Lord. Thanks for allowing Him to work through you by sharing your "thick and thin" moments in this life we share on this side of eternity!!annie

I love the thankful journal, and we have one on our kitchen table that we began in the Fall. My boys are 3 & almost 6, and I love to hear what they are thankful for. I didn't think it was corny at all!! Blessings!

Checking in late today Miss Paige and I of course already have a copy of One Thousand Gifts, but I wanted to just tell you how grateful I am to know you here in this place. I appreciate your generosity and graciousness in sharing your life with us on a regular basis. I draw inspiration from your posts about everything from family life, to running, to decor and cooking, to faith. You offer a little of everything and I think that is why I feel like I have known you for many years. As I am posting this comment, I haven't read anyone else's words to you today, but I am certain that most are filled with gratitude to you. So here's to you, Paige, Friend, Mother, Wife, Photographer, Writer, Runner, Child of God, Rock Star. You are greatly admired and appreciated by this Georgia born Tennessee raised girl. Thank you!Thank You! Thank you!

Grateful for my hubby who is in dental school and is working so so hard. We have two kiddos and I am thankful for them of course! This year, I am most grateful for the time we have to spend together. My hubby is studying almost all of the time, so when we do have family time, we really make the most of it. We do not take it for granted anymore. :) I am grateful for that gift.

I am SO grateful every day for all of my many blessings. That doesn't mean I don't hold my own pity party every now and then 'cause I do. But when I do feel that gray cloud coming on, all I have to do is look around me and realize all I have to be thankful for.

I am extremely grateful that I have such an enjoyable job. I'm a teacher in a small, Christian preschool. I get so much satisfaction seeing those little smiling faces every day. I can honestly say that I feel as though I'm making a difference in their lives. Going to work is such a pleasure!

I am grateful for so many things~my husband, my two beautiful daughters and my parents, for our health and for the roof over our heads. And I am especially grateful for you and so many other beautiful bloggers!

Having a joyful heart is something I always struggle with. 1 Thess. 5:16 recently convicted me... " Be joyful always." Yikes! That's pretty straight forward. So in light of that, I am grateful that God is in control and he has a wonderful plan for me and my family. I am thankful for his timing, which is always better than mine :)

I am thankful for my loving God. He loves me unconditionally and is always by my side. He has blessed me with a wonderful family and a precious daughter. I never really understood His love for me until I became a parent myself. Now I know how unmeasureable His love is for me. I am blessed that He has given me a grateful, loving heart.

Ever since I saw the play "our Town", I have tried to be aware and grateful for every moment of every day. It can be so easy to take simple, everyday things for granted, but that stopped for me years ago. I am grateful for my Mother, who opened my eyes to this.

I am grateful for the challenges I have had in my life which is what has made me into the person I am today..For always being grateful for life's joys..For my husband of 33 years..Two beautiful daughters..Two fantastic son-in-laws..And a grandson that is a pure joy..I would love to win your giveaway..

This book looks amazing both in aesthetics and content. It is always good to have a reminder of what we are grateful for. Today I am grateful for a Mammogram that came back completely normal after having to go back in twice to "re-check" something. Whew. I am grateful for a healthy body!

Paige- this is a lovely book. I saw it first on your blog and then checked it out at the store. Don't have a copy yet so it would be awesome to win it! I also try to find time each day to think about all that I have to be thankful for..today ...it's you, because you have been such a wonderful blessing in bloglandd for me..always makes my day to see a post from you!Have a happy day!Tammy :-)JUNK WILD

gratitude, it's so many blessings in its self. nothing brings me more gratitude than god, my family & my wonderful friends, God gave me the gift of gratitude, i may not have many talents but, nothing makes my heart smile more than giving to someone. as you grow older you come to realize that life its self is a gift. thank you paige, for being my blog friend , my facebook friend and for sharing everyday your sweet thoughts and your sweet sweet family with all of us. happy birthday paige..... donna/aka vintagegigi!!

I am so thankful for His Word. I am grateful that it is available in my language and I have the ability to read it; a blessing I often take for granted. Phil. 4:6 is of great encouagement to me at the moment. :)

This is the next book I want to order from amazon. I've heard wonderful things about it from many bloggers and friends. I am so very thankful for the gift of adoption and our 10 week old daughter! God is good!

I am thankful for each day and each precious gift the Lord has blessed me with. I have been savoring every moment of life her in Colorado for the last 3 weeks. My husband just accepted a job offer and we are waiting to hear if it is Richmond, Va or Charlotte, NC. Well, I have to be honest. Before he was offered this position, I really was not content with where we live here in Denver, Co. Too cold for this southern girl...houses did not have enough character to suit my crown molding, gingerbread liking. Too dry, too close to the in laws, etc etc. When the seriousness of the job offer finally sunk in, I realized what I do have here is priceless. A Christian school that I adore and cannot fathom finding one that compares. My daughter's horse at my in laws amazing ranch. Her dear friends that are her long lost siblings, I swear. My dear friends that I cannot imagine not seeing on a weekly basis. So, I will forever have more gratitude in my daily life. I never realized how much I took for granted. Thank you Paige, for your blog, your honesty and just sharing your life!

Paige,I love your blog!! Your love of Seaside has made me want to go and think my mom and I may take a trip this summer!! I am so exicted. I was wondering where y'all stay when you go? Or if you have any tips? Thank you!!Cori Smith

I have been looking high and low for this book and I can't find it. I have to be honest, if it wasn't for you and the way you speak of this book, I wouldn't have ever gotten it. I have a feeling this is the book that I need at this point in my life. Thank you for sharing the key to what could possibly and hopefully help me find my way.

So, I'm grateful for you and your love for God and how you share it so peacefully with all your readers/family. It helps more than you could ever imagine.

Although I don't have all of the things that I "want," I'm grateful that I have what I "need." I'm grateful for my job that, in spite of it's challenges, allows me to pay for the home I live in and the one I can't sell-- in addition to all of the related bills. I'm grateful for my health, my dogs, my few true friends, this lovely spring day and the weekend off work. I'm grateful for blogs like yours that inspire me and remind me how blessed I am. Looks like a lovely book!

I'm grateful for you and your blog. You've made me think about so much in my life and made me realize that while things can get difficult and that we all struggle, everything always gets better. When I first started reading your blog (thanks to my mother (: haha) I was struggling with how to explain to some younger girls in my youth group about purity and why people wear purity rings. You had just posted something about how all your daughters have the rings and knowing that there were these gorgeous girls who still had fun even with abstaining from sex really helped me finish explain the next week. I'm a few months shy of 19 now and still a virgin myself and didn't start dating until I was 17. I didn't even have my first kiss until then either! So knowing you were another mom out there encouring all her girls near the same age as me helped me keep it all up.Soo...long story, sorry, thank you for everything you write. It all brings light into my life. Keep up the good work and God bless (:much love,Sarah

blessed by this book ~ have bought many copies which I have gifted ~ so generous of you to gift one as well - what a great story Ann has and continues to have on her blog "A Holy Experience". She's a beautiful gifted writer who is so humble and giving of herself - hope there are many more of her books to come -

At least "one thousand" words of encouragement from you and in all these comments. I've already been GIVEN a boost as I start this lovely Spring day. But I'm human...I'll be even a tad bit happier if I win this book (-:Sarah

I am grateful for a second chance with my ex husband...we are getting back together after 16 years. The inspiration from you and your blog....you have help me grow into a better person. Helped me open my eyes and now I can say I love the person I am becoming.

When Dave and I were married for one year, I got pregnant with Will. We were SO GRATEFUL. But I had a hard pregnancy and was on bed rest. Dave's mom was diagnosed with cancer the day he was born. Wil was born with a tumor and had to have brain surgery. Dave had to have back surgery. His Mom died when Will has 8 weeks old. Will had horrific colic. I probably had some post partm depression (undiagnosed). It was so HARD! We started a gratitude journal and it is what got us through the hardest year of our lives. Forcing ourselves to focus on God's blessings in our lives rather than the tragedies saved us.

Anyway, right now the blessing that comes to mind is God bringing my sweet Katie Ru into our lives. Tomorrow is the 4 year anniversary of the day I met my daughter!! Truly, I feel so very grateful for every blessing God has given me.

I would love to have this book to read...I looked for it last week in the bookstore and they were sold out at that time! My Bible Study this week is from 2 Samuel where King David asked GOd "Who am I that you are mindful of me and my family". Wow, what a statement of gratitude!!!! I have had sacred echos of it all week!

I AM THE TREASURE...This weekend I am grateful to my heavenly father because although I know he loves me and I am his daughter, he sent two young girls out this weekend on a "Treasure Hunt" with their youth group during our towns street fair where thousands of people visit, even so, they asked me to help with their hunt and I said sure, then they said, actually "you" are the treasure. I was wearing a green sweater and holding a paper bag their clues and they said, the Lord wants you to know that he loves you and you are his treasure, you are not forgotten! I was so blessed that the Lord took the time to send me a personal message to confirm what I do know with all my heart!